Wet wiper articles and methods for cleaning removable dental appliances

ABSTRACT

A wet wiper for cleaning accumulated oral debris from removable dental appliances. The wet wiper comprises a water insoluble substrate and a physiologically acceptable cleansing composition, wherein the cleansing composition comprises: (i) a liquid carrier consisting of a solution of water and ethyl alcohol, wherein the ethyl alcohol is about 3% to about 90% by weight of the cleansing composition, and wherein the water is q.s. to 100%; (ii) about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of the cleansing composition of a flavor; (iii) 0 to about 5% by weight of the cleansing composition of an anionic surfactant; (iv) 0 to about 5% by weight of the cleansing composition of a nonionic surfactant; (v) 0 to about 5% by weight of the cleansing composition of a suds suppressor; (vi) 0 to about 2% by weight of the cleansing composition of a zinc salt; (vii) 0 to about 3% by weight of the cleansing composition of a chelant; (viii) 0 to about 5% by weight of the cleansing composition of a buffering agent; (ix) 0 to about 5% by weight of the cleansing composition of an antimicrobial, antiplaque agent; (x) 0 to about 5% by weight of the cleansing composition of an anticalculus agent; (xi) 0 to about 30% by weight of the cleansing composition of a humectant; (xii) 0 to about 5% by weight of the cleansing composition of a preservative; (xiii) 0 to about 2% by weight of the cleansing composition of a sweetener; and (xiv) 0 to about 2% by weight of the cleansing composition of a water soluble polymer; wherein the cleansing composition has a pH of from about 3.0 to about 13.0 and is loaded onto the substrate at a loading factor of at least about 0.5 grams of composition per gram of dry substrate so that the substrate is wet by the composition. Methods for cleaning removable dental appliances are also provided, such methods comprising the step of contacting, for a time sufficient to reduce oral debris, the removable dental appliances, with a wet wiper of the present invention.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/150,008, filed Jan. 8, 2014, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/879,285, filed Jul. 17, 2007, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/831,713, filedJul. 18, 2006, which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Removable dental appliances (hereinafter referred to as removableappliances) have been used since the early 1900's, and the categoryencompasses a wide variety which can be easily removed and re-insertedin the mouth, including those for function, expansion, orthodontics,retention, bruxism, protection of the hard and soft tissues and as adental prosthesis. Examples of removable appliances include those usedfor orthodontic tooth positioning as in the system sold under thetrademark, Invisalign;® retainers, of which Hawley and Essix-types areexamples; as well as nightguards, mouthguards, biteguards, dentures, andremovable partial dentures. Wear times of removable appliances vary. Forexample, some appliances, like sportsguards, are worn for only for a fewhours and removed infrequently, while others, like aligners, are wornthroughout the day and require more frequent removal and reinsertion forall meals, snacks and beverages. As removable appliances grow inpopularity and use, the need for new intermittent oral care regimens,tailored to specific lifestyle considerations, is increasing.

The placement of removable appliances in the oral cavity leads to theaccumulation of oral debris on the surfaces of the appliance and all ofits parts. Typically, the major proportion of oral debris thataccumulates on removable appliances is dental plaque which adherestenaciously to the appliance surfaces and is not easily removed. Removalof dental plaque is important because it is a living structurecontaining organisms which have specific biochemical activities andmetabolism and whose enhanced pathogenic potential constitutes a threatto oral health by stimulating disease processes such as dental cariesand periodontal disease. In addition, the microorganisms contained indental plaque have been implicated in the generation of objectionablemouth odors.

A problem with cleaning dental appliances is that it can be difficult,time-consuming, inconvenient, or even impossible at times, depending onhow and when cleaning is needed. Two major approaches are generallyrecommended to patients cleaning removable appliances. One approachrelies on mechanical devices, while the other approach utilizes chemicalmethods. In some instances, a combination of these approaches mayactually be used.

The most familiar mechanical approach is with the use of a brush in thepresence of either hot or cold water. A key disadvantage of this methodis that it typically requires running water and a sink. Anotherdisadvantage is that scrubbing the appliance with just water does littleto kill pathogenic organisms that may be present on the appliancesurfaces. A less common but more effective mechanical approach isthrough the use of a table-top ultrasonic cleaner; however, utilizationis limited because the devices are bulky, not portable, and require adedicated source of electrical power.

The other major approach recommended to patients for cleaning removableappliances is with the use of chemicals. The most common chemical methodis soaking the removable appliance in a denture tablet solution. Certainmouthwash products are also used due to their more desirable odor,flavor and antibacterial claims of their manufacturers. Disadvantages ofthe chemical method, however, include soaking times, difficulty andinconveniences associated with the variety of auxiliary aids required,(e.g., water, soaking tub, sink) as well as possible discoloration ofclear plastic appliances from some dyes within the chemicalformulations.

Unclean removable appliances represent both esthetic and health concernsfor the person using them. Despite the aforementioned approaches, thereremains a need for a one-step cleaning regimen to efficiently andconveniently remove oral debris and malodors from removable appliances.As such, there is a need for a portable, disposable, wet wiper that canbe used at any time, in any location, to clean and deliver mouthrefreshment, without requiring additional auxiliary components likewater or power. Such a product may be used several times a day,especially immediately after meals, in order to reduce accumulated oraldebris and the return of oral malodor.

The art is replete with numerous wet wiper products for cleaning avariety of objects including glass, kitchen and bathroom countertops,furniture, sports equipment, skin, hair, food and food contact surfaces,yet the authors are unaware of any prior art covering the method ofusing a wet wiper for cleaning removable appliances that provides theone-step portability, convenience, performance, and desired sensorycharacteristics. U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,772 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,940teach the use of fibrous wet wipers for cleaning foods, toys andfood/child contact surfaces. The problem with this technology is that itdoes not address the specific needs required of an oral hygiene productfor cleaning removable appliances. For such a product, it is necessaryto include ingredients specific to oral care that deliver pleasantflavor and mouth refreshment, and that also remove/reduce plaque,calculus, stain and malodor. Thus, the present invention substantiallydeparts from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, andprovides a means to deliver improved benefits for the specific purposeof cleaning removable appliances without rinsing, while also providingportability in a one-step cleaning regimen.

BACKGROUND ART

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,831,050, 6,821,940, 6,662,813, 6,557,568, 6,367,488,6,345,634, 5,549,758, 5,705,461, 5,965,499, 5,500,143, 5,500,048,5,498,295, 5,503,764, 5,997,654, 5,849,678, 5,749,924, 5,914,302,5,879,470, 5,932,527, 5,972,857, 5,320,772, GB 2224425, WO 09701290A2,WO 09818352A1, WO 09850518A1, WO 09900026A1, WO 09900025A1, and WO09856889A1.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention toprovide a method of cleaning oral debris from removable appliances witha wet wiper that does not require subsequent rinsing, brushing orsoaking of the removable appliance.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a disposablewet wiper that may be used in lieu of a brush, ultrasonic cleaner, or achemical soak.

It another object of the present invention to provide a disposable wetwiper that provides an immediate effect of refreshment to the user andreplaces oral malodors with a pleasant flavor.

It is another object of the present invention to promote oral hygiene byproviding a wet wiper, in a unit dose or bulk package, that can be usedat any time or in any location without requiring any other auxiliaryaids in the cleaning regimen.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method forreducing bacteria on removable appliances.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a method fortreating and storing removable appliances rendering the oral debris moreamenable to removal during a subsequent cleaning process.

In accordance with the foregoing objectives, this invention provides amethod for cleaning removable appliances with a wet wiper. The wet wipercomprises:

-   -   (a) a water insoluble substrate; and    -   (b) a physiologically acceptable cleansing composition        comprising:        -   (i) ethyl alcohol;        -   (ii) a flavor;        -   (iii) optionally, a nonionic surfactant;        -   (iv) optionally, an anionic surfactant;        -   (v) optionally, a chelating agent;        -   (vi) optionally, a buffering salt pair;        -   (vii) optionally, an antimicrobial, antiplaque agent;        -   (viii) optionally, an anticalculus agent;        -   (ix) optionally, a zinc salt;        -   (x) optionally, a humectant;        -   (xi) optionally, a preservative;        -   (xii) optionally, a suds suppressor;        -   (xiii) optionally, a sweetener;        -   (xv) optionally, a water soluble polymer; and        -   (xiv) water;

wherein said cleansing composition has a pH of from about 3.0 to about13.0 and is loaded onto the substrate at a loading factor of at leastabout 0.5 grams of composition per gram of dry substrate so that saidsubstrate is wet by said composition, wherein said substrate releasablycarries the cleansing composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The wet wipers of the present invention typically comprise a waterinsoluble substrate and a physiologically acceptable cleansingcomposition. The methods of the present invention can be carried out bywiping the surface of the removable appliance with the wet wiper of thepresent invention. This invention effectively cleans dental applianceswhile not leaving behind a residue that may harm the user and/or have anobjectionable taste. It does so as follows: first, the removableappliance is cleaned mechanically by the natural friction created by thewiping action of the wet wiper which is effective at removing grossmaterial from the surfaces of the appliance. Second, the wet wiperserves as a compact delivery vehicle for a physiologically acceptablecleansing composition that enhances the ability of the wet wiper toadditionally loosen and dislodge dental plaque as well as kill plaquebacteria and neutralize malodors. Third, residual cleansing compositionremaining on the surfaces of the removable appliance will continue toinhibit bacterial growth and odor formation after the appliance isreinserted into the patient's oral cavity. And fourth, the wet wiper mayalso be used for storing removable appliances for short time periods(e.g., work breaks, snacks, meals). The removable appliance may becontacted with the wet wiper and stored in a sealed container (i.e.,appliance storage case). Storing the removable appliance with the wetwiper prevents the loss of moisture from the appliance thereby keepingthe adhered oral debris in a softened state and more amenable to removalby mechanical action.

Definitions

The term “removable appliance” means a prosthetic dental applianceremoved from the patient's mouth when the appliance is cleaned.Removable appliance includes, but is not limited to, biteplates,dentures, partial dentures, orthodontic retainers, INVISALIGN® aligners(INVISALIGN®, custom manufacture of orthodontic appliances, dentallaboratory services, is a registered trademark of Align Technology, Inc.(San Jose, Calif.)), RAINTREE-ESSIX appliances, mouthguards,sportsguards, nightguards, antisnoring devices, and TMJ splints.

The term “oral debris” means any matter accumulated on the surface of aremovable appliance. This includes particulate and nonparticulatematter, organic and inorganic matter, and mineralized and nonmineralizedmatter. Oral debris includes plaque, pellicle, loosely adherentfoodstuffs, stagnating saliva, stain, bacteria, and calculus.

The term “wet wiper” means a water insoluble substrate in and on which acleansing composition is loaded. The wet wiper contains sufficientcleansing composition to make it wet, damp or moistened. That is thewiper has a loading factor of at least about 0.5 grams of cleansingcomposition per gram of dry substrate.

The term “releasably carrying” means that a cleansing composition iseither in or on a water insoluble substrate and is readily releasablefrom the substrate by applying some force to the substrate. For example,wringing the substrate, or wiping a surface of a removable appliance.

The term “antimicrobial antiplaque agent” refers to a wide variety ofsubstances including, but not limited to halogenated salicylanilides,halogenated carbanilides, halogenated bisphenols, alkylbenzoylacrylates,quaternary ammonium compounds, thiuram sulfides, dithiocarbamates,antibiotics, halogenated diphenyl ethers, halogenated anilides ofthiophene carboxylic acids, chlorhexidines and certain flavor oilsincluding thymol, eucalyptus, methyl salicylate, menthol, spearmint oiland peppermint oil.

The term “water insoluble” means the substrate does not dissolve orreadily break apart upon immersion in water.

The term “physiologically acceptable” means that the wet wiper underconditions of intended use is safe and organoleptically tolerable in theoral cavity, having no significant side effects either orally orsystemically when used as directed.

Article Substrate

A necessary ingredient of the present invention is that of a waterinsoluble substrate A wide variety of materials can be used as thesubstrate. The following nonlimiting characteristics are desirable: (i)sufficient wet strength for use, (ii) sufficient abrasivity, (iii)sufficient loft and porosity, (iv) sufficient thickness, and (v)appropriate size.

Nonlimiting examples of suitable insoluble substrates which meet theabove criteria include nonwoven substrates, woven substrates,hydro-entangled substrates, air entangled substrates, foams, sponges andthe like. Preferred embodiments employ nonwoven substrates since theyare economical and readily available in a variety of materials. Bynonwoven is meant that the layer is comprised of fibers which are notwoven into a fabric but rather are formed into a sheet, particularly atissue. The fibers can either be random (i.e., randomly aligned) or theycan be carded (i.e., combed to be oriented in primarily one direction).Furthermore, the nonwoven substrate can be composed of a combination oflayers of random and carded fibers.

Nonwoven substrates may be comprised of a variety of materials bothnatural and synthetic. By natural is meant that the materials arederived from plants, animals, insects or byproducts. By synthetic ismeant that the materials are obtained primarily from various man-madematerials or from material that is usually a fibrous web comprising anyof the common synthetic or natural textile-length fibers, or mixturesthereof.

Nonlimiting examples of natural materials useful in the presentinvention are silk fibers, keratin fibers and cellulosic fibers.Nonlimiting examples of keratin fibers include those selected from thegroup consisting of wool fibers, camel hair fibers, and the like.Nonlimiting examples of cellulosic fibers include those selected fromthe group consisting of wood pulp fibers, cotton fibers, hemp fibers,jute fibers, flax fibers, and mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of synthetic materials useful in the presentinvention include those selected from the group consisting of acetatefibers, acrylic fibers, cellulose ester fibers, modacrylic fibers,polyamide fibers, polyester fibers, polyolefin fibers, polyvinyl alcoholfibers, rayon fibers and mixtures thereof. Examples of some of thesesynthetic materials include acrylics such as ACRILAN® (ACRILAN®, acrylicfibers, is a registered trademark of Solutia inc. (St. Louis, Mo.)) andCRESLAN, and the acrylonitrile-based fiber, ORION; cellulose esterfibers such as cellulose acetate, ARNEL, and ACELE; polyamides such asNylons (e.g., Nylon 6, Nylon 66, and Nylon 610); polyesters such asFORTREL® (FORTREL®, synthetic fibers, is a registered trademark of FiberIndustries Inc. (Shrewsbury)), KODEL, and DACRON, polyolefins such aspolypropylene, polyethylene; polyvinyl acetate fibers and mixturesthereof.

Nonwoven substrates made from natural materials consist of webs orsheets most commonly formed on a fine wire screen from a liquidsuspension of the fibers.

Substrates made from natural materials useful in the present inventioncan be obtained from a wide variety of commercial sources. Nonlimitingexamples of suitable commercially available paper layers useful hereininclude Airtex®, an embossed airlaid cellulosic layer having a baseweight of about 71 gsy, available from James River Corporation, GreenBay, Wis.; and WALKISOFT, an embossed airlaid cellulosic having a baseweight of about 75 gsy, available from Walkisoft U.S.A., Mount Holly,N.C.

Non-woven substrates made from synthetic material useful in the presentinvention can also be obtained from a wide variety of commercialsources. Non-limiting examples of suitable non-woven layer materialsuseful herein include KEYBAK® 951V, a dry formed apertured material,containing about 75% rayon, about 25% acrylic fibers, and having a basisweight of about 43 gsy, available from Chicopee Corporation, NewBrunswick, N.J.; KEYBAK® 1368, an apertured material, containing about75% rayon, about 5% polyester, and having a basis weight of about 39gsy, available from Chicopee Corporation, New Brunswick, N.J.; DURALACE®1236, an apertured, hydro-entangled material, containing about 100%rayon, and having a basis weight from about 40 gsy to about 115 gsy,available from Chicopee Corporation, New Brunswick, N.J.; DURALACE®5904, an apertured, hydro-entangled material, containing about 100%polyester, and having a basis weight from about 40 gsy to about 115 gsy,available from Chicopee Corporation, New Brunswick, N.J.

Most preferred for this invention are nonwoven webs because such websare generally less expensive to produce and have a more generally opensurface for receiving and holding oral accumulations from the removableappliance. A preferred substrate of the present invention is SONTARA®8868, a hydro-entangled material, with an open weave or perforatedconfiguration, containing about 50% cellulose and about 50% polyester,and having a basis weight of about 60 gsy, available from DupontChemical Corp. Another preferred substrate of the present invention is aspunlace nonwoven material having a basis weight of 60 gsm comprising50% rayon and 50% polyester available from Web Pro.

Viscoelastic substrates useful in the present invention includepolyolefin, urethane, and silicone flexible foams. Specially formulatedhydrophilic urethanes are free of PVC, latex, and solvents, which givesthem durability, and biocompatibility. Nonlimiting examples of suitablefoam materials useful in the present invention include MediSponge andNovapreme, hydrophilic polyurethane foams available from Lendell Inc.,Saint Charles, Mich., and Capu-Cell polyurethane foams available fromTMP Technologies, Niagara Falls, N.Y. Other foams with similarcharacteristics may also be used.

The substrate of the present invention can comprise two or more layers,each having a different texture and abrasiveness. The differing texturescan result from the use of different combinations of materials or fromthe use of a substrate having a more abrasive side for debridement and asofter, absorbent side for gentle cleansing. In addition, separatelayers of the substrate can be manufactured to have different colors,thereby helping the user to further distinguish the surfaces.

The substrate of the present invention may also comprise binders asknown to the art. Suitable binders include latex binders; conformbinders where the fibers comprise at least two polymers where one of thepolymers has a melting point that is lower than the other; powderedpolymeric binders where the polymeric powder has a lower melting pointthan the fibers comprising the substrate; and other binders as are knownand used in the art.

The substrate of the present invention is not limited to any form,specific pattern, design or geometry. It may be made into a wide varietyof shapes and forms including flat pads, thick pads, thin sheets,ball-shaped implements, irregularly shaped implements and patterns. Itcan also be of any size, including but not limited to circular,rectangular, square, and ellipsoidal, and the size can be selected asappropriate for the shape and size of the dental appliance to becleaned, or chosen to provide a desirable visual appearance.

The wet wipers of this invention generally are intended as disposableitems. As used herein, “disposable” is used in its ordinary sense tomean a wet wiper that is disposed or discarded after a single use.

The wet wiper is made by wetting the dry substrate with at least 0.5grams of composition per gram of dry substrate. Preferably, the drysubstrate is wetted with at least about 1.0 grams, and more preferablyat least about 1.5 grams of composition per gram of the dry substrate.Preferably, the dry substrate is wetted with at most about 5.0 grams,more preferably at most about 4.0 grams of composition per gram of thedry substrate. A “loading factor” of 0.5 means that the dry substrate iswetted with 0.5 grams of composition per gram of dry substrate.

Physiologically Acceptable Cleansing Composition

The following components are used in the preparation of the preferredcompositions herein.

(i) Flavor

A necessary ingredient of the present invention is a flavor. The flavoris an important feature of the cleansing composition. A good flavorenhances the acceptability of the product and favors the prospect ofuser compliance with good oral hygiene practice. Since residual amountsof the liquid carrier will remain on the surfaces of the removableappliance, the cleansing composition of this invention contains flavorsto improve palatability and acceptance by the patient or consumer. Inaddition, flavors provide an aroma which will serve as a signal orsensory cue to the consumer and heighten their awareness andappreciation of the product's action. Flavors include essential oils andsynthetic flavoring substances generally recognized as safe (GRASingredients) as outlined in the 21 CFR. Suitable flavors include oil ofwintergreen, oil of peppermint, oil of spearmint, clove bud oil,menthol, anethole, methyl salicylate, eucalyptol, cassia, 1-menthylacetate, sage, eugenol, parsley oil, oxanone, alpha-irisone, marjoram,lemon, orange, cinnamaldehyde glycerol acetal known as CGA, propenylguaethol, cinnamon, vanillin, cranberry, ethyl vanillin, thymol,linalool, heliotropine, 4-cis-heptenal, diacetyl, methyl-para-tert-butylphenyl acetate, and mixtures thereof. Certain flavors such as thymol,eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, cinnamic aldehyde, peppermintoil, spearmint oil, wintergreen oil, and cinnamon oil can also act asantimicrobial agents in the compositions disclosed herein. Coolants mayalso be part of the flavor system. The coolant can be any of a widevariety of materials. Included among such materials are carboxamides,menthol, ketals, diols, and mixtures thereof. Preferred coolants in thepresent compositions are the paramenthan carboxyamide agents such asN-ethyl-p-menthan-3-carboxamide, known commercially as “WS-3”,N,2,3-trimethyl-2-isopropylbutanamide, known as “WS-23,” and mixturesthereof. Additional preferred coolants are selected from the groupconsisting of menthol, 3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol known as TK-10manufactured by Takasago, menthone glycerol acetal known as MGAmanufactured by Haarmann and Reimer, and menthyl lactate known asFRESCOLAT® manufactured by Haarmann and Reimer. The terms menthol andmenthyl as used herein include dextro- and levorotatory isomers of thesecompounds and racemic mixtures thereof. TK-10 is described in U.S. Pat.No. 4,459,425, Amano et al., issued Jul. 10, 1984. WS-3 and other agentsare described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,136,163, Watson et al., issued Jan. 23,1979.

The preferred flavor is an essential oil mixture selected from the groupconsisting of spearmint, peppermint and mixtures thereof. It should benoted that the specific choice of this type of flavor is made on thebasis that this class of flavor is a highly desirable flavor to theconsuming public as representing and furnishing a fresh mouth feel inoral care products. More importantly, these are preferred because thisflavor group comprises spearmint and/or peppermint essential oils, whichprovide excellent persistent flavor notes effective for residual odormasking.

A flavor is typically present in the present invention at levels of fromabout 0.001% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.002% to 2% and morepreferably from about 0.003% to about 1% by weight of the cleansingcomposition.

(ii) Liquid Carrier

A necessary ingredient of the present invention is a liquid carrier. Theliquid carrier is a solution of water and ethyl alcohol and may comprisefrom about 10% to about 95% of the cleansing composition, e.g., thecleansing composition may include as the liquid carrier a component ofabout 3% to 90% by weight ethyl alcohol and about 97% to 10% by weightwater. Ethyl alcohol serves several functions in the cleansingcomposition including the solubilization of flavors and water insolubleantimicrobial agents, formula preservation, and enhancing flavor impact.

(iii) Surfactant

An optional ingredient of the present invention is a surfactant. Asurfactant is a surface-active agent that lowers the surface tension ofthe carrier liquid so that it will more quickly wet out the surfaces ofthe removable appliance. In addition, the surfactant helps indispersing, emulsifying and penetrating oral accumulations making themmore amenable to removal by mechanical action. The surfactants employedin the invention are those surfactants which are reasonably stablethrough a pH range of 3.0 to 13.0 and are nontoxic and thereforesuitable for use on appliances intended for use in the oral cavity.Although anionic, nonionic, cationic and zwitterionic surfactants aresuitable for this invention, cationic and zwitterionic surfactants arenot preferred due to their capacity to stain the oral cavity's hardtissues and adversely affect composition palatability. Persons skilledin the art are aware of this possibility and should incorporate thesesurfactants with these limitations in mind.

(iv) Anionic Surfactant

Preferred anionic surfactants useful herein include the water-solublesalts of alkyl sulfates having from 10 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkylradical and the water-soluble salts of sulfonated monoglycerides offatty acids having from 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Sodium lauryl sulfate,sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and sodium coconut monoglyceride sulfonatesare examples of anionic surfactants of this type. Mixtures of anionicsurfactants can also be utilized. Certain anionic surfactants can alsoact as germicides in the compositions disclosed herein. A highlypreferred anionic surfactant is sodium lauryl sulfate which has beenshown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,259 to have antimicrobial properties.

(iv) Nonionic Surfactant

The water soluble nonionic surfactants utilized in this invention arecommercially well known and have been safely used in pharmaceutical andoral care products for many years. Among the satisfactory nonionicsurfactants that may be employed in the present invention are thecondensates of 2 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide with sorbitan mono- andtri-C₁₀-C₂₀ alkanoic acid esters having a HLB of 8 to 15. Thesesurfactants are well known and are available from Imperial ChemicalIndustries under the Tween trade name. Suitable surfactants includepolyoxyethylene (4) sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitanmonostearate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan trioleate andpolyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan tristearate. Although the Tweens may beemployed in the present invention, they have a bitter taste and detractfrom the overall palatability of the cleansing composition.

Highly preferred water soluble nonionic surfactants are marketed underthe trade name “PLURONIC®,” which are polyoxamers, i.e., nonionictriblock copolymers composed of a central hydrophobic chain ofpolyoxypropylene (poly(propylene oxide)) flanked by two hydrophilicchains of polyoxyethylene (poly(ethylene oxide)). The compounds areformed by condensing ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed bythe condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol. The molecularweight of the hydrophobic portion of the molecule is of the order of 950to 4000 and preferably 200 to 2,500. The addition of polyoxyethyleneradicals to the hydrophobic portion tends to increase the solubility ofthe molecule as a whole so as to make the surfactant water-soluble. Themolecular weight of the block polymers varies from 1,000 to 15,000 andthe polyethylene oxide content may comprise 20% to 80% by weight.PLURONIC® surfactants useful in the present invention are types F68,F108, and F127. These are virtually tasteless and odorless andcompatible with a wide variety of formulating ingredients. PLURONIC®F-127 is the most preferred of the series having been formulated safelyin mouthwashes for many years.

Another highly preferred water soluble nonionic surfactant is theethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil, which has an ethoxylation number ofabout 35 to about 60, that is, it has an average of about 35 to about 60ethoxy groups (C₂H₅O—) per castor oil molecule. Ethoxylated hydrogenatedcastor oil can be obtained by reacting hydrogenated castor oil withethylene oxide. Ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oils are available fromBASF, Mount Olive, N.J., USA under the tradename CREMOPHOR® RH.Particularly preferred are CREMOPHOR RH-40 (PEG-40 Hydrogenated CastorOil with an ethoxylation number of about 40) and CREMOPHOR RH-60 (PEG-60Hydrogenated Castor Oil with an ethoxylation number of about 60).Ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oils are virtually tasteless andodorless and compatible with a wide variety of formulating ingredients.

The surfactant or mixtures of compatible surfactants can be present inthe present invention from about 0.1% to about 5.0%, preferably fromabout 0.3% to about 3.0% and most preferably from about 0.5% to about2.0% by weight of the cleansing composition.

(v) Chelating Agent

An optional ingredient of the present invention is a chelating agent.Chelating or sequestering agents may be used in the present invention toassist in the removal of calculus, stain and plaque contained on thesurfaces of the removable appliance. The preferred chelating agentsherein are polyphosphate salts or organic polycarboxylic salts, e.g.,sodium and/or potassium citrate, and/or sodium and/or potassiumethylenediaminetetraacetate. Other organic polycarboxylic acids such ascitric, tartaric, malic, etc., acids can also be used. Complexphosphates can also be used, but are generally avoided due to regulatoryconsiderations where phosphate levels are specifically forbidden orhighly restricted. Typically, if used in the present invention, thechelant is present at a level of from about 0.0005% to about 3%,preferably from about 0.001% to about 0.5%, and more preferably fromabout 0.003% to about 0.2%, by weight of the cleansing composition.Chelant can maintain the efficacy of the formulas in the presence ofhardness.

(vi) Buffer

Another optional ingredient of the present invention is a bufferingagent. The pH of the present compositions is preferably adjusted throughthe use of buffering agents. Buffering agents, as used herein, refer toagents that can be used to adjust the pH of the compositions to a rangeof about 3.0 to about 13.0. Common buffer systems include phosphoricacid and sodium phosphate salts, or citric acid and sodium citrate.Suitable buffers for use in this invention include potassium and/orsodium carbonate, potassium and/or sodium bicarbonate, potassium and/orsodium hydroxide (hydrate), potassium and/or sodium citrate and/orpotassium and/or sodium ortho-phosphate, citric acid-sodium citrate,phosphoric acid-sodium phosphate, sodium monobasic phosphate, sodiumdibasic phosphate, acetic acid-sodium acetate, succinic acid-sodiumsuccinate, aconitic acid-sodium aconitate and benzoic acid-sodiumbenzoate.

The pH is preferably not greater than about 13, and especially does notcontain large amounts of buffer at higher pHs for consumer safety,especially when the compositions are not fully removed from items.Reserve alkalinity should be from about 0.01 to about 10, preferablyfrom about 0.05 to about 7, and more preferably from about 0.1 to about4. Similarly, the pH is not lower than about 3.0 and especially does notcontain large amounts of buffer at lower pHs for consumer safety,especially when the compositions are not fully removed from items.

In the present invention, the level of buffer, is typically from about0.0005% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.0015% to about 2.5%, andmore preferably from about 0.0025% to about 1.5%, by weight of thecleansing composition.

(vii) Antimicrobial Antiplaque Agent

Another optional ingredient of the present invention is an antimicrobialantiplaque agent that destroys the bacteria that play a role in theetiology of plaque and cause oral malodors.

Quaternary ammonium compounds are among the most common of the cationicantimicrobial agents. In oral compositions, they are highly effective inpromoting oral hygiene by inhibiting or reducing the number of plaqueforming bacteria. Quaternary ammonium antibacterial agents include thosein which one or two of the substitutes on the quaternary nitrogen has acarbon chain length (typically alkyl group) from about 8 to about 20,typically from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms while the remainingsubstitutes (typically alkyl or benzyl group) have a lower number ofcarbon atoms, such as from about 1 to about 7 carbon atoms, typicallymethyl or ethyl groups. Dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide,tetradecylpyridinium chloride, domiphen bromide, N-tetradecyl-4-ethylpyridinium chloride, dodecyl dimethyl (2-phenoxyethyl) ammonium bromide,benzyl dimethylstearyl ammonium chloride, cetyl pyridinium chloride,quaternized 5-amino-1,3-bis(2-ethyl-hexyl)-5-methyl hexahydropyrimidine, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride and methylbenzethonium chloride are exemplary of typical quaternary ammoniumantibacterial agents. Other compounds are bis[4-(R-amino)-1-pyridinium]alkanes as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,206,215, Jun. 3, 1980 to Baileywhich is incorporated herein by reference. The pyridinium compounds arethe preferred quaternary ammonium compounds for use in the presentinvention, the most preferred being cetylpyridinium chloride,tetradecylpyridinium chloride or mixtures thereof. Quaternary ammoniumantimicrobial agents are included in the present invention at levels ofabout 0.01% to about 0.5%, preferably from about 0.01% to below about0.2%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.15% by weight of thecleansing composition.

Useful water insoluble noncationic antimicrobial agents such ashalogenated diphenyl ethers, phenolic compounds including phenol and itshomologs, mono and poly-alkyl and aromatic halophenols, resorcinol andits derivatives, bisphenolic compounds and halogenated salicylanilides,benzoic esters, and halogenated carbanilides. Triclosan monophosphate isalso a suitable water soluble antimicrobial agent. Also useful areenzymes, including endoglycosidase, papain, dextranase, mutanase, andmixtures thereof. Such agents are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,946,725,Jul. 26, 1960, to Norris et al. and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,234, Sep. 27,1977 to Gieske et al., incorporated herein by reference. Specificantimicrobial agents include chlorhexidine, triclosan, triclosanmonophosphate, and flavor oils such as thymol, eucalyptol, menthol,methyl salicylate, cinnamic aldehyde, peppermint oil, spearmint oil,wintergreen oil, and cinnamon oil.

The noncationic antimicrobial agent is used in the present invention inan effective antiplaque amount, typically about 0.01-5% by weightpreferably about 0.03-1% and most preferably about 0.3-0.5% by weight ofthe cleansing composition.

(viii) Anticalculus Agent

Another preferred optional ingredient of the present invention is ananticalculus agent. Well known anticalculus agents in the dental art arethe linear molecularly dehydrated polyphosphate salts being generallyemployed in the form of their wholly or partially neutralized watersoluble alkali metal (e.g., potassium and preferable sodium) or ammoniumsalts, and any mixtures thereof. Representative examples include sodiumhexametaphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, disodium diacid, trisodiummonoacid and tetrasodium pyrophosphates, the corresponding potassiumsalts and the like.

Particularly desirable anticalculus agents are tetraalkali metalpyrophosphates, such as tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tetrapotassiumpyrophosphate and mixtures thereof.

In the present invention, the level of anticalculus agent, when present,is typically from about 0.0005% to about 10%, preferably from about0.0015% to about 5%, and more preferably from about 0.0025% to about1.5%, by weight of the cleansing composition.

(ix) Zinc Salt

Another optional ingredient of the present invention is a zinc salt.Zinc salts have been used over the years in several oral care products,primarily to limit or prevent malodor. Examples of such oral careproducts include AIM® toothpaste, Breath Savers® mints, Lavoris®mouthwash, Viadent® mouthrinse, and Listermint.®

The literature in this field shows there are numerous reasons to addzinc salts to a wet wiper for cleansing removable appliances. Amongthose reasons is its efficacy as an anti-malodor agent. Two mechanismsof action are believed to be responsible for zinc's utility as ananti-malodor agent. The first is its ability to form insoluble saltswith nucleophilic compounds such as valeric acid, hydrogen sulfide,mercaptans, etc., (i.e., volatile sulfur compounds, “VSCs”) whichtypically cause oral malodor. U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,259; Pader, M, OralHygiene Products and Practice, Chapter 10, pg. 351. Additionally, theliterature shows that zinc salts inhibit proteolysis by direct action onbacterial proteases, like cysteine and methionine proteases, thusreducing the amount of odor causing agents. Marsh, P D, J. Clin.Periodontal, 18(6): 462-467, 1991.

Zinc has also been shown to have antimicrobial efficacy. Here, its modeof action is believed to result from surfactant charge activity,resulting in disruption of membranes. Verran, J. Int. J. Cosmet. Sci.,13: 29-42, 1991, as well as inhibition of essential enzymes in glucosetransport and catabolism. Cummins D. J. Clin. Periodontol, 18: 455-461,1991; and Marsh, P D, J. Clin. Periodontal, 18(6); 462-467, 1991.

Antiplaque and antigingivitis efficacy is another attribute of zincsalts. Part of this activity may be a direct consequence of itsantimicrobial efficacy. Further, zinc may reduce the rate of bacterialadherence to teeth. Harrap, G J, Saxton, C A, Best, J S, Archs. Oral.Bio., 29(2): 87-91, 1984; and Harrap, G J, Saxton, C A, Best, J S, J.Periodont Res., 18: 634-642, 1983. Zinc is also said to prevent thetoxic effects that volatile sulfur compounds have on membranepermeability by preventing VSC penetration into epithelial cells. Pader,M, Oral Hygiene Products and Practice, Chapter 10, pg. 351-352.

Moreover, zinc has been associated with anticaries activity resultingfrom inhibition of the dissolutive process of caries by reversibleadsorption on apatite. Ingram, G S, Edgar, W M, Adv. Dent. Res., 8(2):158-65, 1994.

Finally, zinc salts are believed to also have anticalculus efficacyresulting from adsorption of zinc ion on apatite, thus restrictingcrystal growth. Ingram, G S, Edgar, W M, Adv. Dent. Res., 8(2): 158-65,1994; Ingram, G S, Horay, C P, Stead, W J, Caries, Res., 26(4): 248-253,1992 and Gilbert, R J, Ingram, G S, J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 40(6):399-402, 1988.

Suitable zinc salts are well known in the art, and are those whichfreely ionize in an aqueous or hydroalcohol base. Suitable salts includeinorganic, organic and water insoluble and water soluble zinc salts.Nonlimiting examples of suitable zinc salts that may be employedinclude: zinc oxide zinc stearate zinc tribromosalicylanilide zincmethionine sulfate zinc carbonate zinc tannate zinc caprylate zincoctoate zinc oleate zinc laurate zinc silicate zinc fluoride zincacetate zinc formate zinc lactate zinc fumarate zinc iodide zincammonium sulfate zinc nitrate zinc bromide zinc phenol sulfonate zincchloride zinc salicylate zinc chromate zinc sulfate zinc citrate zincgluconate zinc dithionate zinc succinate zinc fluorosilicate zincglycerophosphate zinc tartarate. Preferred salts are zinc chloride, zinccitrate, zinc oxide, zinc acetate, zinc stearate, zinc methioninesulfate, zinc phenol sulfonate, zinc sulfate, and zinc gluconate. Themost preferred salts are zinc chloride, zinc sulfate, and zinc citrate.

Zinc salts may be included in the present invention at levels of 0.01%to about 2%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.7% and mostpreferably from about 0.1% to about 0.3% by weight of the cleansingcomposition.

(x) Humectant

Another preferred optional ingredient of the present invention is thatof a humectant. Humectants such as glycerin, sorbitol and relatedpolyols (hydrogenated starch hydrolyzates), propylene glycol,polyethylene glycols, and xylitol may be used in combination with ethylalcohol in the composition as a substitute for water further reducingthe water activity of the liquid carrier and making the liquid carrierself-preserving eliminating the need for a preservative. Humectants willalso impart glossiness and sheen to the surface of the dental applianceas well as provide some lubricity. These compounds are readily familiarto those skilled in the art and many variations of these ingredients cansuccessfully be employed by one skilled in the art with simpleexperimentation. Due to economic considerations, sorbitol and relatedpolyols are preferred water substitutes comprising from about 5% to 40%,preferably from about 8% to 25%, by weight of the cleansing composition.

(xi) Preservative

Another optional ingredient of the present invention is a preservative.Formulating the present compositions at high pH reduces the tendency forbiological growth of contaminants, such as bacteria, fungi, or molds.Similarly, in compositions with acidic or neutral pH, biological growthof contaminants, such as bacteria, fungi, or molds may also be an issue.However, preservatives can help insure the lack of biological growththrough contamination in making or in use. Preservatives may be presentin a cleansing composition of any pH (e.g., acidic, neutral or basic).One illustrative preservative is Suttocide A, available from SuttonLaboratories. Another illustrative preservative is methyl paraben. Stillanother illustrative preservative is propyl paraben.

Preservatives, when used in the present invention, are typically presentat levels from about 0.001% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.002% toabout 2%, and more preferably from about 0.003% to about 1%, by weightof the cleansing composition.

(xii) Suds Suppressor

Another optional ingredient of the present invention is a sudssuppressor.

The amount of suds suppresser can be tailored in conjunction with thetype and level of surfactant used and foam level desired. Suitablesilicone suds suppressors are available from suppliers, such as DC-4270and DC2-4242 available from Dow Corning.

Suds suppressor, when used in the present invention is typically atlevels from about 0.001% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.002% toabout 2%, and more preferably from about 0.003% to about 1%, by weightof the cleansing composition.

(xiii) Sweetener

Another optional ingredient of the present invention is that of asweetener. Sweetening agents which can be used include sucrose, glucose,saccharin, dextrose, levulose, lactose, mannitol, sorbitol, fructose,maltose, xylitol, saccharin salts, thaumatin, aspartame, D-tryptophan,dihydrochalcones, acesulfame and cyclamate salts, especially sodiumcyclamate and sodium saccharin, and mixtures thereof. Sweeteners, whenused in the present invention, are typically present at levels fromabout 0.001% to about 2%, and preferably from about 0.002% to about 1%,and most preferably from about 0.003% to 0.5% by weight of the cleansingcomposition.

(xiv) Antioxidant

Another optional ingredient of the present invention is an antioxidant.The use of surfactants, and especially soaps, may be complicated bydevelopment of off-odors and/or yellowing of the compositions in whichthey appear. These undesirable properties are believed to be caused bycomplex side reactions initiated by the reaction of oxygen, with, forexample, any polyunsaturated components of any fatty acid present. Theseresults can be avoided, or minimized, by avoiding contact with air, orby controlling the quality of the fatty acid stock so that the amountand type of polyunsaturates are minimized, or by minimizing oxygensensitive components, and/or by the addition of chelants and/orantioxidants.

It has been found, that the addition of tocopherols (e.g., Vitamin E, ortocopherol acetates) in alkaline formulations is advantageous, as theydo not degrade, nor do they impart a strong color. They inhibit thedevelopment of off-odors for extended periods of time so that the needfor masking scents is minimized, or eliminated, particularly for oleicacid stocks of high quality, as described above. The use of butylatedphenols, such as BHT and BHA is also useful, but their effectivenessappears more limited and they can impart stronger colors to thecompositions. Other food grade antioxidants such as Vitamin C, sorbates,and sulfites, are desirable to prevent deterioration of the compositionsby the action of oxygen, but care must be taken since vitamin C cansuffer color degradation and sulfites can cause odor problems. Sulfitesalso have been the target of potential health concerns.

Antioxidants when used in the present invention, are typically presentat levels from about 0.001% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.002% toabout 2%, and more preferably from about 0.003% to about 1%, by weightof the cleansing composition.

(xv) Water Soluble Polymers

Another optional ingredient of the present invention is a water-solublepolymer. Water-soluble polymers may be used to affect the qualitativetactile impression of the wet wiper by increasing the viscosity of thecleansing composition and improving the “feel” of the wet wiper whichcomes in contact with the users' hands. Residual water soluble polymerremaining on the surfaces of the removable appliance may also providelubricity/slipperiness which is detected by the user upon reinsertion ofthe appliance in their mouth. Water-soluble ingredients include but arenot limited to sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone,methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose,xanthan gum, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carrageenan and mixtures thereof.

Water-soluble polymers when used in the present invention are typicallypresent at levels from about 0.001% to about 2%, preferably from about0.005% to about 1%, and more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.5%by weight of the cleansing composition.

Wet Wiper Packaging Enclosure

The packaging enclosure for the wet wiper must protect the product fromloss of flavor, water, alcohol, and other volatiles, if present. It mustnot interact with the product with resultant adverse effects on eitherthe cleansing composition or package properties. It must effectivelyreduce permeation of oxygen, which can negatively impact the componentsof the cleansing composition and overall product acceptability. And froma cosmetic point of view, it should show the product off to its maximum.Packaging for holding a water insoluble substrate loaded with thecleaning composition can be of any suitable form. A sealed envelope canbe used to hold a wet wiper saturated with the cleaning compositionuntil the time of use. Such an envelope is preferably composed of aplastic material impermeable to air and the vapors of the ingredientscomprising the cleaning composition. A preferred package is a resealablecontainer that can hold several wet wipers loaded with the cleaningsolution and that is essentially airtight to prevent the evaporation ofthe volatile components of the cleaning composition. Such a resealablecontainer can be hard or soft with a resealable opening which a wetwiper is pulled. Such containers are commercially available from avariety of sources. The containers desirably contain from about 10 toabout 500 wet wipers per container, and more desirably contain fromabout 30 to about 200 wet wipers per container. The wet wipers within acontainer package may be arranged in a variety of ways, including, butnot limited to interfolded, C-folded, stacked, and so forth.

Resealable label flaps of peel and seal labels are commonly used forpackaging wet wipers. The product packages are generally constructedfrom a thin, liquid-impervious material that has an opening over whichthe label flap is removably adhered. Typically, the label flap is astrip of flexible film or semi-rigid thermoplastic material having aremovable pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to one surface of thelabel. The removable adhesive creates a generally airtight seal aroundthe package opening to prevent the packaged wet wipers from drying outduring storage.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the wet wipersubstrate has dimensions, approximately 5×4 inches and is able to befolded by four fold lines into a rectangular folded form measuringapproximately 1¼×1¾ inches which is closely received by the envelope.The packaging enclosure is a tear-open, rectangular envelope, ofpocket-sized dimensions; approximately 3¼×2¼ inches consisting of a foilbased laminated plastic of the type conventionally used in the art andcapable of being hermetically sealed.

The manner of making and using the present invention will be illustratedfurther by the following detailed examples.

Example 1

A wet wiper was prepared using the following procedure. First, acleansing composition was prepared according to the formula thatfollows:

Ingredient (% w/w) Ingredient Function Water QS 100 Component of liquidcarrier Grain Alcohol (151 proof) 48.00 Component of liquid carrierGlycerin 3.00 Humectant Keltrol T (xantham gum) 0.03 Water solublepolymer Spearmint/peppermint oil 0.2 0 Flavor

The above composition is formulated by making a first solution of thegrain alcohol and flavor. In a separate vessel, xantham gum is dispersedin glycerin. The xantham gum/glycerin mixture is slowly added to theformula amount of water while stirring vigorously. The alcoholicsolution is then combined with the aqueous solution. The pH of the finalsolution is approximately 5.5.

A substrate was prepared by cutting a 5×4 inch section from spunbondedSontaro 8868 rollstock obtained from DuPont Chemical Corp. A partiallysealed envelope was prepared to receive the wet wiper by first cutting a6½×2½ section of a laminated packaging film, Glenroy EFS 008. The cutfilm was folded once and then sealed on three sides. The substrate isable to be folded by four fold lines into a rectangular folded formmeasuring approximately 1¼×1¾ inches and weighing approximately 0.8grams which is then received by the envelope. Four grams of the liquidcleansing composition is added to the folded substrate contained in theenvelope. The envelope is then sealed.

Example 2

A wet wiper was prepared using the following procedure. First, acleansing composition was prepared according to the formula thatfollows:

Ingredient (% w/w) Ingredient Function Water QS 100 Component of liquidcarrier Grain Alcohol (151 proof) 25.00 Component of liquid carrierTetrapotassium pyrophosphate 1.90 Anticalculus agent Disodium 0.05Chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid Sorbitol (70% solution)10.00 Humectant Peppermint oil 0.15 Flavor

The above composition is formulated by making a first solution anaqueous solution by combining water, sorbitol, tetrapotassiumpyrophosphate and disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. An alcoholicsolution of the grain alcohol and peppermint oil is prepared separately.The alcoholic solution is added to the aqueous solution and mixed. ThepH of the final solution is approximately 10.6.

A substrate was prepared by cutting a 6×9 inch sections from a 100%polyester spun lace nonwoven wipe available from Green Bay Nonwoven. Anairtight resealable container was prepared to receive 50 folded wetwipers. 200 grams of the cleansing composition is added to the foldedsubstrates contained in the package. The package is then sealed.

Example 3

A wet wiper was prepared using the following procedure. First, acleansing composition was prepared according to the formula thatfollows:

Ingredient (% w/w) Ingredient Function Water QS 100 Component of liquidcarrier Grain alcohol (151 proof) 21.93 Component of liquid carrierSorbitol (70% solution) 10.00 Component of liquid carrier Sodium laurylsulfate 0.1 Surfactant, antimicrobial Glacial acetic acid 0.02 BufferSodium acetate 0.03 Buffer Zinc chloride 0.22 Neutralize malodorsPoloxamer 407 0.2 Surfactant Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil 0.4Surfactant Dow antifoam FG10 0.2 Suds suppressor Spearmint/peppermintoil 0.4 Flavor

The above composition is formulated by making a first solution of water,sorbitol, glacial acetic acid, sodium acetate, and zinc chloride. Asecond solution is made by combining the grain alcohol, polysorbate 20,poloxamer 407, sodium lauryl sulfate, Dow antifoam FG10 and flavor. Thisalcoholic solution is then added to the first solution and the resultingsolution is mixed. The final pH of the solution is adjusted to 3.5-4.0using 0.1N HCl.

A substrate was prepared by cutting four inch circular shapes from aspunlace nonwoven substrate having a basis weight of 60 gsm comprising50% rayon and 50% polyester obtained from Web Pro Inc. A resealable hardplastic case was filled with twenty circular shapes and eighty grams ofthe cleansing composition is added to the substrate lying flat in theplastic case. The plastic case is then sealed.

Example 4

A pharmaceutical sales representative undergoing orthodontic treatmentwith Invisalign is preparing for a meeting with a physician client.Prior to the meeting the sales representative removes his/her removableorthodontic appliance (aligner) to wipe it with a premoistened wipe ofExample 3. The premoistened wipe removes accumulated oral debris as wellas neutralizes any malodors which could have been detected by thephysician. The sales representative then reinserts the aligner in hismouth and joins his client for a meeting.

Example 5

An office worker wearing a Hawley retainer is preparing to take a lunchbreak. The worker removes the Hawley retainer and wraps it in apremoistened wipe of Example 1. The worker places the wrapped retainerin a plastic dental case. During lunch, the low pH premoistened wipekeeps the dental plaque hydrated and in a softened state making it moreamenable to mechanical removal. After returning from lunch, the workerremoves the retainer from the dental case and wipes all surfaces andparts of the retainer and then inserts it their mouth. The usedpremoistened wipe is discarded.

Example 6

A student wearing an Essix retainer is walking between classes and needsto grab a snack. The student removes his Essix retainer and places hisappliance in his pocket. After finishing a quick snack and drink, thestudent retrieves his retainer. Using a premoistened wipe of Example 1he wipes all surfaces of his retainer removing accumulated oral debris.He also freshens his appliance in the process of cleaning it,transferring the minty flavor from the wipe onto his retainer, beforereinserting it into his mouth, to enjoy a burst of flavor refreshment.He then discards the wipe and heads into his next class.

Example 7

A camper wearing a removable partial denture is hiking in the backmountains with no access to running water. During a meal, she feels foodparticles around the area of her partial appliance. She removes thepartial appliance and places it on the picnic bench to finish her lunch.After lunch she uses a premoistened wipe of Example 1, to wipe allsurfaces of the appliance removing the accumulated debris and odorsbefore reinserting it in her mouth to have the benefit of its cleanfeeling.

As will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art, thepresent invention may be modified or varied in many ways and embodied inother specific forms without departing from the spirit or essentialcharacteristics of the present invention. It is to be understood that nolimitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated isintended or should be inferred. Modifications and variations are not tobe regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the presentsubject matter, and all such modifications and variations, equivalentsand alternatives, and others, are intended to be included within thescope of the present invention. Accordingly, for an understanding of thescope of the invention, reference should be made to the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wet wiper comprising: a. a water insolublesubstrate; and b. a physiologically acceptable cleansing compositioncomprising: (i) about 0.05% to about 2%, by weight of said cleansingcomposition, of an essential oil flavor selected from the groupconsisting of spearmint oil, peppermint oil and mixtures thereof; (ii)about 3% to about 90%, by weight of said cleansing composition, of ethylalcohol; (iii) about 0.1% to about 3%, by weight of said cleansingcomposition, of a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consistingof pluronic F127, pluronic F108, pluronic F68, peg-40 hydrogenatedcastor oil, peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil; and mixtures thereof. (iv)about 0.05% to about 0.6% by weight of said cleansing composition, of ananionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of sodium orpotassium salts of C₆₋₁₈ alkyl sulfates; (v) about 0.01% to about 0.4%by weight of said cleansing composition of a suds suppressor; (vi) 0 toabout 2% by weight of said cleansing composition, of a zinc salt; (vii)0 to about 3% by weight of said cleansing composition, of a chelant;(viii) 0 to about 5% by weight of said cleansing composition, of abuffer; (ix) 0 to about 5% by weight of said cleansing composition, ofan antimicrobial, antiplaque agent; (x) 0 to about 5% by weight of saidcleansing composition, of an anticalculus agent; (xi) 0 to about 30% byweight of said cleansing composition, of a humectant; (xii) 0 to about5% by weight of said cleansing composition, of a preservative; (xiii) 0to about 2% by weight of said cleansing composition, of a sweetener;(xiv) 0 to about 2% by weight of said cleansing composition, of a watersoluble polymer; (xv) water wherein said cleansing composition has a pHof from about 3.0 to about 6.0 and is loaded onto said substrate at aloading factor of at least about 0.5 grams of composition per gram ofdry substrate so that said substrate is wet by said composition; andsaid substrate releasably carries the composition.
 2. A wet wiperaccording to claim 1, wherein: a. said zinc salt is present at a levelof about 0.05% to about 0.2% by weight; b. said buffering salt pair issodium acetate and acetic acid wherein the ratio of said sodium acetateto said acetic acid is about 3 to 2 and further wherein said pair ispresent in said mouthwash at a level of about 0.01 to about 0.1%; c.said anionic alkyl sulfate surfactant is sodium lauryl sulfate; and d.said water insoluble substrate is a nonwoven substrate.
 3. A wet wipercomprising: a. a water insoluble substrate; and b. a physiologicallyacceptable cleansing composition comprising: (i) about 3% to about 90%,by weight of said cleansing composition, of ethyl alcohol; (ii) about0.001% to about 5% by weight of said cleansing composition, of a flavor;(iii) 0 to about 2% by weight of said cleansing composition of a zincsalt; (iv) 0 to about 3% by weight of said cleansing composition of achelant; (v) 0 to about 5% by weight of said cleansing composition of abuffer; (vi) 0 to about 5% by weight of said cleansing composition of anantimicrobial, antiplaque agent; (vii) 0 to about 5% by weight of saidcleansing composition of an anticalculus agent; (viii) 0 to about 30% byweight of said cleansing composition of a humectant; (ix) 0 to about 5%by weight of said cleansing composition of a preservative; (x) 0 toabout 2% by weight of said cleansing composition of a sweetener; (xi) 0to about 2% by weight of said cleansing composition of a water solublepolymer; (xii) water wherein said cleansing composition has a pH of fromabout 2.0 to about 13.0 and is loaded onto said substrate at a loadingfactor of at least about 0.5 grams of composition per gram of drysubstrate so that said substrate is wet by said composition; and saidsubstrate releasably carries the composition.
 4. A wet wiper accordingto claim 3, wherein said antimicrobial antiplaque agent is present at alevel of at least about 0.01% by weight.
 5. A wet wiper according toclaim 3, wherein said antimicrobial antiplaque agent is selected fromthe group consisting of chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride,domiphen bromide, triclosan, flavor oils such as thymol, eucalyptol,menthol, methyl salicylate, cinnamic aldehyde, peppermint oil, spearmintoil, wintergreen oil, and cinnamon oil and mixtures thereof.
 6. A methodfor cleaning a removable dental appliance, the method consisting ofwiping the surface and parts of the removable dental appliance with awet wiper of claim
 1. 7. A method of reducing oral malodor associatedwith a removable dental appliance comprising contacting, for a timesufficient to reduce said oral malodor, the surfaces and parts of saidremovable dental appliance, with the wet wiper of claim 1.